Pharmaceutical compositions comprising 7-(1h-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline for treating skin diseases and conditions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for treating skin diseases and skin conditions in a patient in need thereof which comprises of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of 7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or its individual enantiomers or the tautomers thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/672,475, filed on Nov. 8, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/558,104, filed Nov. 10, 2011, thedisclosure of each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein bythis specific reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for treating skin diseases andskin conditions in a patient in need thereof which comprisesadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or theenantiomers thereof, or the tautomers thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE RELATED ART

Three alpha 1 and three alpha 2 adrenergic receptors have beencharacterized by molecular and pharmacological methods. Activation ofthese alpha receptors evokes physiological responses having usefultherapeutic actions. Alpha adrenergic agonists act on the peripheralvasculature to cause vasoconstriction and thereby ameliorate thesymptoms of inflammatory skin disorders, including erythema or redness.Alpha adrenergic agonists are useful for ocular mucosal tissue to treatconjunctival redness (hyperemia), for nasal mucosa, as a decongestantfor the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and for rectal mucosaladministration suitable for treating and curing hemorrhoids.

-   -   H. E. Baldwin describes the diagnosis and the actual treatments        of rosacea and related skin diseases, in the Journal of Drugs in        Dermatology 2012, Vol. 11(6) pages 725-730.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,062 discloses topical cosmetic and        pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of the skin.    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0035123 describes        combinations of compounds for treating skin diseases.    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,812,049 discloses a method for treating erythema        resulting from rosacea comprising oxymetazoline. Oxymetazoline        is a selective alpha-1 agonist and partial alpha-2 agonist        topical decongestant.

Compound 7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline isknown as a potent alpha 1 and alpha 2 adrenergic receptor pan agonist.The racemic mixture and the two enantiomers of7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,323,477 B2. U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,641 discloses acomposition comprising(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline for thetreatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that the pharmaceutical compositions of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline areuseful for the treatment of skin diseases and skin conditions.

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containingas active ingredient7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline for treatment ofskin diseases and skin conditions.

In another aspect the present invention relates to pharmaceuticalcompositions containing as active ingredient(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline fortreatment of skin diseases and skin conditions.

In another aspect the present invention relates to pharmaceuticalcompositions containing as active ingredient(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline fortreatment of skin diseases and skin conditions.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method for treatingskin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprises administeringa pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of 7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method for treatingskin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprises administeringa pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method for treatingskin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprises administeringa pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method forimproving skin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprisesadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method forimproving skin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprisesadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a method forimproving skin diseases in a patient in need thereof which comprisesadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The compound may be administered through different routes, including butnot limited to, topical dermatological application of an effective dose,direct injection, or formulations that may further enhance the longduration of action such as slow releasing pellets, suspensions, gels,solutions, creams, ointments, foams, emulsions, microemulsions, milks,patches, serums, aerosols, sprays, dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles,microparticles, wet cloths, dry cloths, facial cloths, or sustaineddelivery devices such as any suitable drug delivery system known in theart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows topical(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline inhibits37° C-induced cutaneous vessel dilation in rat paws for at least 4 hrspost-treatment following a single application and for at least 6 hrspost-treatment following 4 daily applications.

FIG. 2 shows the rate of percutaneous absorption as the flux of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline thatappears in the receptor solution under the skin in an ex vivo humantrunk skin preparation

FIG. 3 shows the distribution of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinolinefollowing a 48 hour dose exposure to ex vivo human trunk skin as a massrecovered

FIG. 4 shows Inhibition of LL-37-induced mouse skin inflammation aftertopical treatment with(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline

FIG. 5 shows reduction of UVB-induced mouse skin erythema (redness) forat least 48 hrs following treatment with(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline.

FIG. 6 shows reduction of UVB-induced cutaneous vessel dilation in mouseears for at least 48 hrs following treatment with(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline.

FIG. 7 shows reduction of tactile hypersensitivity in UVB exposed mouseskin 4 hrs following treatment with(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for treatingskin diseases and skin conditions in a patient in need thereof whichcomprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or theenantiomers thereof, or the tautomers thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases and skin conditions in a patient in need thereofwhich comprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or thetautomers thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases and skin conditions in a patient in need thereofwhich comprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or thetautomers thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

By “skin diseases” it should be understood any condition, complaint oraffliction associated with the listed diseases.

Skin diseases and skin conditions which may be treated withpharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or itsenantiomers either:(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline include,but are not limited to: rosacea, rosacea fulminans, sunburn, psoriasis,menopause-associated hot flashes, flushing and redness associated withhot flashes, erythema associated with hot flashes, hot flashes resultingfrom orchiectomyatopic dermatitis, treatment of redness and itch frominsect bites, photoaging, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, allergicdermatitis, telangiectasia (dilations of previously existing small bloodvessels) of the face, angioectasias, rhinophyma (hypertrophy of the nosewith follicular dilation), acne-like skin eruptions (may ooze or crust),burning or stinging sensation, erythema of the skin, cutaneoushyperactivity with dilation of blood vessels of the skin, Lyell'ssyndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, local itching and discomfortassociated with hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids, erythema multiforme minor,erythema multiforme major, erythema nodosum, eye puffiness, urticaria,pruritis, purpura, varicose veins, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, nummular dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis,stasis dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, perioral dermatitis,pseudofolliculitis barbae, granuloma annulare, actinic keratosis, basalcell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, eczema.

Skin conditions which result in rosacea can be induced by intake ofspicy food, of alcohol, of chocolate, of hot or alcoholic drinks,temperature variations, heat, exposure to ultraviolet or infraredradiation, exposure to low relative humidity, exposure of the skin tostrong winds or currents of air, exposure of the skin to surfactants,irritants, irritant dermatological topical agents, and cosmetics orpsychological stress.

The actual amount of the compound to be administered in any given casewill be determined by a physician taking into account the relevantcircumstances, such as the severity of the condition, the age and weightof the patient, the patient's general physical condition, the cause ofthe condition, and the route of administration.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases wherein the pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of4-bromo-N-(imidazolidin-2-ylidene)-1H-benzimidazol-5-amine, is selectedfrom topical skin application comprising suspensions, gels, solutions,creams, lotions, ointments, foams, emulsions, microemulsions, milks,serums, aerosols, sprays, dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles,microparticles, wet cloths, dry cloths, facial cloths, applications andformulations that may further enhance the long duration of actions suchas a slow releasing pellets, direct injection, or sustained deliverydevices such as any suitable drug delivery systems known in the art.Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be used for thetopical administration including solutions, gels, lotions creams,ointments, foams, mousses, emulsions, microemulsions, milks, serums,aerosols, sprays, dispersions, patches, micelles, liposomes,microcapsules, vesicles and microparticles thereof.

Emulsions, such as creams and lotions that can be used as topicalcarriers and their preparation are disclosed in Remington: The Scienceand Practice of Pharmacy 282-291 (Alfonso R. Gennaro Ed. 19^(th) ed.1995) hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable gels for use in the invention are disclosed in Remington: TheScience and Practice of Pharmacy 1517-1518 (Alfonso R. Gennaro Ed.19^(th) ed. 1995) hereby incorporated herein by reference. Othersuitable gels for use within the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,387,383, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,847 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,989.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method forimproving skin diseases, by administering to a patient in need thereof apharmaceutical composition containing as active ingredient7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, including butnot limited to: rosacea, rosacea fulminans, sunburn, psoriasis,menopause-associated hot flashes, flushing and redness associated withhot flashes, erythema associated with hot flashes, hot flashes resultingfrom orchiectomyatopic dermatitis, treatment of redness and itch frominsect bites, photoaging, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, allergicdermatitis, telangiectasia (dilations of previously existing small bloodvessels) of the face, angioectasias, rhinophyma (hypertrophy of the nosewith follicular dilation), acne-like skin eruptions (may ooze or crust),burning or stinging sensation, erythema of the skin, cutaneoushyperactivity with dilation of blood vessels of the skin, Lyell'ssyndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, local itching and discomfortassociated with hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids, erythema multiforme minor,erythema multiforme major, erythema nodosum, eye puffiness, urticaria,pruritis, purpura, varicose veins, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, nummular dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis,stasis dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, perioral dermatitis,pseudofolliculitis barbae, granuloma annulare, actinic keratosis, basalcell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, eczema.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method forimproving skin diseases, by administering to a patient in need thereof apharmaceutical composition containing as active ingredient(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline,including but not limited to: rosacea, rosacea fulminans, sunburn,psoriasis, menopause-associated hot flashes, flushing and rednessassociated with hot flashes, erythema associated with hot flashes, hotflashes resulting from orchiectomyatopic dermatitis, treatment ofredness and itch from insect bites, photoaging, seborrheic dermatitis,acne, allergic dermatitis, telangiectasia (dilations of previouslyexisting small blood vessels) of the face, angioectasias, rhinophyma(hypertrophy of the nose with follicular dilation), acne-like skineruptions (may ooze or crust), burning or stinging sensation, erythemaof the skin, cutaneous hyperactivity with dilation of blood vessels ofthe skin, Lyell's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, local itching anddiscomfort associated with hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids, erythema multiformeminor, erythema multiforme major, erythema nodosum, eye puffiness,urticaria, pruritis, purpura, varicose veins, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, nummular dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis,stasis dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, perioral dermatitis,pseudofolliculitis barbae, granuloma annulare, actinic keratosis, basalcell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, eczema.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method forimproving skin diseases, by administering to a patient in need thereof apharmaceutical composition containing as active ingredient(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline,including but not limited to: rosacea, rosacea fulminans, sunburn,psoriasis, menopause-associated hot flashes, flushing and rednessassociated with hot flashes, erythema associated with hot flashes, hotflashes resulting from orchiectomyatopic dermatitis, treatment ofredness and itch from insect bites, photoaging, seborrheic dermatitis,acne, allergic dermatitis, telangiectasia (dilations of previouslyexisting small blood vessels) of the face, angioectasias, rhinophyma(hypertrophy of the nose with follicular dilation), acne-like skineruptions (may ooze or crust), burning or stinging sensation, erythemaof the skin, cutaneous hyperactivity with dilation of blood vessels ofthe skin, Lyell's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, local itching anddiscomfort associated with hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids, erythema multiformeminor, erythema multiforme major, erythema nodosum, eye puffiness,urticaria, pruritis, purpura, varicose veins, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, nummular dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis,stasis dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus, perioral dermatitis,pseudofolliculitis barbae, granuloma annulare, actinic keratosis, basalcell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, eczema.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofdecreasing the irritation of skin associated with rosacea treatmentregimen of topically applied a therapeutically effective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, the method oftreating telangiectasia or angioectasias with a therapeuticallyeffective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, and therefore,it also includes the method of reducing redness associated with theappearance of rosacea.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofdecreasing the irritation of skin associated with rosacea treatmentregimen of topically applied a therapeutically effective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, themethod of treating telangiectasia or angioectasias with atherapeutically effective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, andtherefore, it also includes the method of reducing redness associatedwith the appearance of rosacea.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofdecreasing the irritation of skin associated with rosacea treatmentregimen of topically applied a therapeutically effective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, themethod of treating telangiectasia or angioectasias with atherapeutically effective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, andtherefore, it also includes the method of reducing redness associatedwith the appearance of rosacea.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases including but not limited to: rosacea induced byintake of spicy food, chocolate, alcohol, hot or alcoholic drinks,temperature variations, heat, exposure to ultraviolet or infraredradiation, exposure to low relative humidity, exposure of the skin tostrong winds or currents of air, exposure of the skin to surfactants,irritants, irritant dermatological topical agents, and cosmetics orpsychological stress.

(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline may beformulated with efficacy enhancing components as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,491,383 B2.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article ofmanufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical agentcontained within said packaging material, wherein the pharmaceuticalagent is therapeutically effective for treating a skin disease andwherein the packaging material comprises a label which indicates thepharmaceutical agent can be used for treating a skin disease and whereinsaid pharmaceutical agent comprises an effective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or a saltthereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article ofmanufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical agentcontained within said packaging material, wherein the pharmaceuticalagent is therapeutically effective for treating a skin disease andwherein the packaging material comprises a label which indicates thepharmaceutical agent can be used for treating a skin disease and whereinsaid pharmaceutical agent comprises an effective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or asalt thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article ofmanufacture comprising packaging material and a pharmaceutical agentcontained within said packaging material, wherein the pharmaceuticalagent is therapeutically effective for treating a skin disease andwherein the packaging material comprises a label which indicates thepharmaceutical agent can be used for treating a skin disease and whereinsaid pharmaceutical agent comprises an effective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or asalt thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating ocular diseases and conditions in a patient in need thereofwhich comprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or theenantiomers thereof, or the tautomers thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating ocular diseases and conditions in a patient in need thereofwhich comprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or thetautomers thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating ocular diseases and conditions in a patient in need thereofwhich comprises, consists essentially of or consists of administering atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or thetautomers thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

By “ocular diseases” it should be understood any condition, complaint oraffliction associated with the listed diseases.

Ocular diseases and conditions which may be treated with pharmaceuticalcompositions containing as active ingredient7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or itsenantiomers either:(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline or(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline include,but are not limited to: ocular rosacea, pterygium, redness, hyperemia,conjunctival hyperemia, corneal neovascularization, ocular cicatricialpemphygoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

The (S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinolinecompound has physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties that arebeneficial for sustained activity, particularly when the drug isdelivered continuously (e.g. to the skin by a dermal patch).

“Pharmaceutical composition,” as used here, means a composition that issuitable for administering to human patients for disease treatment. Inone embodiment the compound of the invention is formulated as apharmaceutically acceptable salt which further includes one or moreorganic or inorganic carriers or excipients suitable for dermatologicalapplications. The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may include oneor more skin-penetrating agents, moisturizers, preservatives, gellingagents, protective agents, oil-in-water, water-in-oil,water-in-oil-in-water, and oil-in-water-in-silicon emulsions. Thepharmaceutical composition may comprise excipients, binders, lubricants,solvents, disintegrants, or enhancers of cutenous penetration and willbe administered preferably topically. The active ingredient is used inan amount of about 0.01% up to about 20% and preferably about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which retainthe biological effectiveness and properties of the free base and whichare obtained by reaction with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, or anorganic acid such as for example, acetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid,propanoic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, fumaric acid,maleic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid,ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, tannic acid, pamoic acid, citric acid,methylsulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, formicand, salicylic acid and the like (Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts, P.Heinrich Stahal & Camille G. Wermuth (Eds), Verlag Helvetica ChemicaActa-Zürich, 2002, 329-345).

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases and skin conditions wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of atherapeutically effective amount of7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline is selected fromtopical skin application, direct injection, applications andformulations that may further enhance the long duration of actions suchas a slow releasing pellet, suspension, gel, solution, cream, ointment,foams, emulsions, microemulsions, milks, serums, aerosols, sprays,dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles, microparticles, wet cloths, drycloths, facial cloths.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases and skin conditions wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of atherapeutically effective amount of(R)-(−)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline isselected from topical skin application, direct injection, applicationsand formulations that may further enhance the long duration of actionssuch as a slow releasing pellet, suspension, gel, solution, cream,ointment, foams, emulsions, microemulsions, milks, serums, aerosols,sprays, dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles, microparticles, wetcloths, dry cloths, facial cloths.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method fortreating skin diseases and skin conditions wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of atherapeutically effective amount of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline isselected from topical skin application, direct injection, applicationsand formulations that may further enhance the long duration of actionssuch as a slow releasing pellet, suspension, gel, solution, lotion,cream, ointment, foams, emulsions, microemulsions, milks, serums,aerosols, sprays, dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles, microparticles,wet cloths, soaps, cleansing bars, dry cloths, facial cloths.

The present invention may be used in conjunction with rosacea treatmentsof topically applied agents such as macrocyclic lactones of theavermectin family, macrolides known as milbemycins, other alpha 1 oralpha 2 receptor agonists, retinoids, phytosphingosine, green teaextract, azaleic acid.

The present invention may also be used in conjunction with other classesof compounds such as:

-   -   Antimicrobials (such as antiparasitic, antibacterial,        antifungal, antiviral);    -   Metronidazole, ivermectin, clindamycin, erythromycin,        tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline;    -   Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (such as        corticosteroids, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, cyclosporine A);    -   Antiangiogenesis agents;    -   Antimycobacterial agents (such as dapsone);    -   Sunscreensor sunblocks or anything that functions like a        sunscreen/sunblock (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,        avobenzone);    -   Antioxidants (such as Vitamins C, E, quercetin, resveratrol);    -   Other alpha agonists (such as brimonidine, oxymetazoline,        clonidine);    -   Beta blockers (such as nadolol, propanolol, carvedilol);    -   Antihistamines;    -   Retinoids (such as tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene,        isotretinoin, retinaldehyde) Benzoyl peroxide;    -   Menthol and other “cooling” agents;    -   Sodium sulfacetamide and derivatives;    -   Antifungal agents (such as imidazole derivatives, ployene        compounds, allylamine compounds);    -   Serine protease (kallikrein) inhibitors (such as aminocaproic        acid);

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the exemplifiedembodiments, which are only intended as illustrations of specificaspects of the invention. Various modifications of the invention, inaddition to those disclosed herein, will be apparent to those skilled inthe art by a careful reading of the specification, including the claims,as originally filed. It is intended that all such modifications willfall within the scope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1

Rat Blood Flow Assay

Background

Rosacea can be triggered by heat exposure. The physiological sympatheticnervous system-mediated response to body cooling is cutaneousvasoconstriction and the response to body warming is cutaneousvasodilation. α-adrenergic agonists that act on the sympathetic nervoussystem outflow can regulate cutaneous blood flow in response totemperature changes.

Method

A laser Doppler microvascular perfusion monitor (laser Doppler flowmetrytechnique, LDP) was used to monitor red blood cell perfusion in themicrovasculature of the hind foot pad. The laser doppler flowmetry (LDP)is an OxyFlo Microvascular Perfusion Monitor, from Oxford Optronix LTd.UK.

Briefly, 15 μL of test articles was applied topically once, orrepeatedly (once daily for 4 consecutive days) to one hind foot pad ofanaesthetized hairless CD rats and 15 μL of vehicle was applied to theother footpad.

At various timepoints up to 8 hrs following the last test articleadministration, dynamic blood flow changes were measured and recordedevery 15 seconds for 4 minutes per temperature interval for 5 intervals(22° C.→37° C.→4° C.→37° C.→22° C.). Rats were placed on a 37° C. heatpad to increase their temperature and on an ice pad to decrease theirtemperature to 4° C. The levels of blood flow in the two paws werecompared.

FIG. 1 shows topical(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinolinesignificantly inhibits 37° C. induced vessel dilation for up to 4 hrsfollowing single topical dosing to the skin at a concentration of 0.1%.Following 4 days of topical dosing (once per day), the duration ofstatistically significant inhibition is increased to at least 6 hrs. The% blood flow inhibition is calculated as the % difference in the AUC ofpeak 1 (first 8 min heating and cooling interval) of the laser dopplerrecordings between the drug-treated and vehicle-treated paws. Data arethe mean % inhibition values from 8-10 rats per group.

This data demonstrates that topical(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline caninhibit heat-induced cutaneous blood vessel dilation (or overallcutaneous blood flow) in rats, and the effect of one topical application(15 μl of a 0.1% gel) lasts for at least 4 hours. There is an extendedduration of at least 6 hrs following 4-day repeat dosing.

EXAMPLE 2

In Vitro Human Skin Permeability Assay

Human, ex vivo, trunk skin was cut into multiple smaller sections largeenough to fit on nominal 2 cm² static Franz diffusion cells. The dermalreceptor compartment was filled to capacity with receptor solutionconsisting of 0.1× phosphate buffered solution with 0.1% Oleth-20, andthe epidermal chamber (chimney) is left open to ambient laboratoryenvironment. The cells were placed in a diffusion apparatus in which thereceptor solution in contact with the underside of the dermis wasstirred magnetically at ˜600 RPM and its temperature maintained toachieve a skin surface temperature of 32.0±1.0° C.

To assure the integrity of each skin section, its permeability totritiated water was determined before application of the test products.Skin specimens in which absorption of ³H₂O was less than 1.56 μL-equ/cm²were considered acceptable.

(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline wasapplied to three (3) replicate sections of the same donor skin for eachdonor, evaluating three (3) donors for the designated dose duration. Adose of 5 mg formulation/cm²/skin section was evenly dispersed andrubbed into the skin surface using a glass rod.

At designated time points and at the end of the study dose duration, thereceptor solution was removed in its entirety, and a predeterminedvolume aliquot saved for subsequent analysis. After the last receptorsample was collected, the donor compartment (chimney) was removed, andthe surface of the skin was cleansed twice to collect any un-absorbedformulation from the skin surface. Following the surface cleanse, theskin was tape stripped to remove the stratum corneum. The tape stripswere extracted overnight in acetonitrile and analyzed for content of thecompound of interest. The skin was then removed from the diffusion cell,split into epidermis and dermis, and each skin sample extractedovernight in 50%:50% (v/v) ethanol/water or 50%:50% (v/v) methanol waterfor epidermis and dermis, respectively. The skin section samples wereanalyzed for content of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline. Allsamples were stored at ˜−20° C. (±15° C.) pending analysis. Quantitationof (S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline wasanalyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry(PLC/MS).

Replicates within donors were averaged and the standard deviationcalculated for each key parameter. Within donor averages were thencollated and the across donor population mean with standard error of themean calculated.

FIG. 2 shows the rate of percutaneous absorption as the flux of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline thatappears in the receptor solution under the skin after a 0.58% (w/w)dose.

FIG. 3 shows the distribution of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline in eachskin layer following a 48 hour dose exposure of a 0.58% (w/w) dose to exvivo human trunk skin as a mass recovered.

The data indicate that(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline doespenetrate into and through ex vivo human trunk skin using the in vitroFranz diffusion cell. The increased rate of flux at the 18 and 36 hrtimepoints (FIG. 2) and the higher concentration in the epidermis (FIG.3) suggests that the drug depots in the skin, which is consistent with along duration of action and extended duration following repeated dosing.

EXAMPLE 3

LL-37-Induced Skin Inflammation Mouse Model

Background

Rosacea skin is associated with increased levels of LL-37 cathelicidincompared to normal skin. Intradermal injection of LL-37 into miceinduces skin inflammation that is similar to that seen in rosacea skin(Yamasaki 2007).

Method

(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline gel orits corresponding vehicle was applied to the dorsal surface of the earsof BALB/c mice. One hour following application, the left ear wasintradermally injected with LL-37 peptide and the right ear was injectedwith phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Ear thickness measurements weremade with a digital caliper (Mitutoyo) at various timepoints up to 8 hrspost-injection with LL-37. Ear swelling is an indicator of inflammation.

FIG. 4 shows statistically significant inhibition of LL-37-induced skininflammation at 6 and 9 hrs after topical treatment with(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline. Thedata are the mean values from 9-10 mice per group.

The data indicates that topical administration of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline has ananti-inflammatory effect that is relevant to the treatment of rosacea.

EXAMPLE 4

Ultraviolet B-Induced Mouse Sunburn Model

Background

Rosacea can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposureof hairless mice to UVB irradiation results in a sunburn-like responsecharacterized by erythema, cutaneous blood vessel dilation, tactilehypersensitivity and inflammation that persists for at least 48 hrs.

Method

SKH1 hairless mice, lying on their stomachs with their left sidescovered, were exposed to UVB at an intensity of 120 mJ/cm2 for 91 sec.Approximately 30 min after irradiation,(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline gel orits corresponding vehicle was applied topically to a region of the backand the dorsal surface of the ears. At various timepoints up to 48 hrspost UVB-irradiation, the following assessments were made:

1. Vasculature area in the exposed and unexposed ears by image analysisof digital photos using ImagePro Premier (Media Cybernetics) software.Images are converted to gray-scale, expanded and thresholding, based oneach ear's baseline pixel values, is applied to the images. Thresholdingdifferentiates the desired “object” features (i.e. vasculature network)from the background (i.e. skin tissue). The “object” pixels are thenquantified and reported as the vasculature area.

2. Erythema on the exposed and unexposed back using a Chromameter(Konica Minolta).

3. Tactile hypersensitivity assessment using a paint brush test. Thehypersensitivity is assessed by light stroking of the flank of the micewith a small paint brush every 5 min over 35 min. The behavioralresponse is scored as follows: 0, no response; 1, mild squeaking withattempts to move away from the brush; 2, vigorous squeaking evoked bythe brush, biting at the brush and strong efforts to escape. The scoresat the eight time points are summed so the maximum hypersensitivityscore for each mouse can be 16. The exposed (right) and unexposed (left)flanks were scored independently.

FIG. 5 shows that topical dosing of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline to theback 30 min following UVB exposure results in a statisticallysignificant reduction of erythema (measured with a chromameter) tonearly baseline levels that lasts for at least 48 hrs. Data are the meanof values from 6 mice per group.

FIG. 6 shows that topical dosing of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline to theear 30 min following UVB exposure results in statistically significantcutaneous vasoconstriction (measured as a reduction of cutaneousvasculature area) to nearly baseline levels that lasts for at least 48hrs. Data are the mean of values from 6 mice per group.

FIG. 7 shows that topical dosing of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline to theback 30 min following UVB exposure results in a statisticallysignificant reduction of tactile hypersensitivity (scored by theresponse to stroking with a paint brush) assessed 4 hrs following UVBirradiation. There was a reduction in hypersensitivity on both theUV-exposed and control sides. Data are the mean of values from 6 miceper group.

The data indicate that topical administration of(S)-(+)-7-(1H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline has along-lasting beneficial effect on inflammation, erythema (redness) andhypersensitivity, which are signs and symptoms of many skin diseases andconditions. The findings have particular relevance to the treatment ofsunburn, rosacea and psoriasis.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a skin condition selectedfrom the group consisting of psoriasis, rosacea, rosacea fulminans,telangiectasia of the face and erythema of the skin in a patientsuffering from the condition, the method comprising treating the patientwith a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of 7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline, or anindividual enantiomer thereof, or tautomer of the foregoing, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the foregoing.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises(R)-(−)-7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or atautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of theforegoing.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises(S)-(+)-7-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinoline, or atautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of theforegoing.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition is in a formulation suitable for topical dermatologicaladministration.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the formulation is asuspension, gel, solution, cream, lotion, ointment, foam, emulsion,microemulsion, milk, serum, aerosol, spray, dispersion, microcapsule,vesicle, microparticle, wet cloth, dry cloth or facial cloth.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in aformulation suitable for direct injection.